The exploration industry is always changing. While having a geoscience degree is crucial, continued, lifelong learning will help geoscientists adapt to unexpected changes. Learning new skills allows us to take on new challenges, which leads to more opportunities. 

At Onward we are big proponents of maintaining a growth mindset. As Carol Dweck puts it in the Harvard Business Review, “Brains and talent are just the starting point. [A growth mindset] creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” 

So where should a geoscientist begin? What additional geoscience courses should you take? 

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists, or AAPG, one place to start. AAPG offers online courses and certificate programs that include rich content on workflows that many geologists need to pick during their career. Their training is a thorough resource for geoscientists who want to stay up-to-date in their field. 

Onward is another platform that can give geoscientists a leg up and help them gain new skills and experience.  Our collaborative hub helps people become better geologists, which can result in better opportunities in the future.  

Organizations such as The University of Texas, University of Leeds, The Alberta Geological Survey, and more offer geologic field trip guidebooks, pictures, and videos from all over the world. The databases are constantly updated with thousands of references for participants to peruse at any time.  

By broadening their skill set through geoscience courses, geoscientists learn to evolve with the industry. As our understanding of the earth and the ways we work change, we must change with them. Having a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning is the best way to transform our careers and our world.